WASHINGTON – September 13, 2021 – Epirus, Inc., a high-growth technology company developing directed energy systems and power management solutions for a range of use cases and mission needs, announced today the addition of two seasoned and respected military leaders to their Advisory Board. General John Abizaid, USA (ret.) and Lieutenant General Robert Schmidle, USMC (ret.) bring decades of combat, national security and diplomatic leadership to Epirus, who announced the formation of their Advisory Board in May 2021.
Today’s announcement furthers the company’s accelerated momentum after a year marked by significant milestones. In February 2021, Epirus validated the effectiveness of its technology at the first solid-state directed energy demonstration for a Department of Defense audience. Epirus’ flagship product, Leonidas, is the only counter-electronics system of its power and size with proven, publicly demonstrated counter swarm and precision strike capabilities. The system has a 100% success rate throughout two field demonstration this year, effectively disabling all drones deployed across a number of real-time scenarios.
The addition of GEN Abizaid and LtGen Schmidle cements the company’s commitment to meeting the critical Counter-UAS mission need throughout the Department of Defense, during a time of unprecedented deployment of militarized drones by both our adversaries and non-state actors. The wealth of mission knowledge and national security experience GEN Abizaid and LtGen Schmidle bring to Epirus will be an invaluable addition to the Advisory Board as the company continues to drive innovation and bring its transformative products to market.
General John Abizaid most recently served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after a highly distinguished 34-year career in the U.S. Army. GEN Abizaid rose from infantry platoon leader to four-star general in the U.S. Army and became the longest-serving commander of United States Central Command. In 2015, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he commanded units at every level, serving in Grenada, Lebanon, Kurdistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
“Throughout my tenure as CENTCOM Commander and my stint at the State Department, I learned firsthand the necessity of equipping our service men and women with the most innovative technology to stay ahead of proliferating threats, like the one we face from drones. The brilliance and mission focus of the Epirus team coupled with their technological prowess leaves no doubt that the company will help the U.S. maintain our technological superiority. I am thrilled to join their ranks and work to advance the mission success of the company,” said General John Abizaid.
LtGen Robert Schmidle served as the first Deputy Commander of the United States Cyber Command. He was also the leading USMC aviator as the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, developing cutting-edge concepts and fielding innovative technologies. His final assignment on active duty was as the Principal Deputy Director, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. LtGen Schmidle planned and led combat strikes in Iraq and Bosnia. His doctorate is from Georgetown University and he is published in the fields of psychology, philosophy and military history.
“The extraordinary culture of innovation at Epirus and the palpable energy and passion that rings throughout the company is truly inspiring. I am delighted to be joining their Advisory Board and have no doubt that the cutting-edge technologies they are developing will leave an enduring mark on U.S. national security,” added Lieutenant General Robert Schmidle. “In today’s increasingly hostile global security landscape, companies like Epirus will be vital in addressing future capability gaps and ensuring our military remains at the forefront of technology innovation.”
“I am thrilled to announce the additions of GEN Abizaid and LtGen Schmidle to our Advisory Board. The unmatched experience from their various military and civilian roles brings a critical perspective to Epirus. As we continue to work with our partners throughout the Department of Defense to field our systems and meet the UAS threat head on with our technology, I look forward to leveraging these distinguished national security leaders to execute on our mission,” said Leigh Madden, Epirus Chief Executive Officer.
About Epirus:
Epirus is a high-growth technology company that develops solid-state, human-safe directed energy systems that enable unprecedented counter-electronics effects and power management solutions to enhance power efficiency in defense and commercial electronics. With a constant emphasis on innovation, we are redefining modern power systems to increase the velocity of change for our customers and bring tomorrow's capabilities to life, today.
